New Delhi, Sept 30: The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on Tuesday announced it will not participate in talks with the Centre until climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and other arrested individuals in Leh are released and a judicial probe into the September 24 police firing is ordered.
Addressing a press conference, KDA co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai condemned allegations against the protesters and demanded immediate release of Wangchuk, calling him “a hero of the country.” He also criticized the portrayal of Ladakhis as “anti-nationals,” stating, “We have sacrificed our lives for the country. Stop portraying Ladakhis as anti-national.”
The announcement follows a similar decision by Apex Body Leh, which suspended talks until a conducive atmosphere is restored in Ladakh. Its chairman Thupstan Chhewang and co-chairman Chering Dorjay stressed that dialogue would resume only after judicial inquiry and release of all detained activists.
The unrest on September 24 in Leh left four people dead and many injured, with over 50 individuals taken into custody for alleged rioting. Wangchuk, a key figure in the agitation for statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, was detained under the stringent National Security Act and lodged in Jodhpur jail, Rajasthan.
KDA’s stand underscores growing tensions in Ladakh over the handling of protests and the ongoing negotiations with the Centre for statehood and other local demands. (Agencies)
